The Dangers of Sugar Free Gum (not a joke)

Hi everybody,

I meant to post this earlier and didn't, but I wanted to share some very important information to you pet lovers. I was completely unaware of the hazard of sugar free gum to pets, specifically dogs. Any sugar free gum containing Xylitol needs to be banned from your home. It is extremely toxic to dogs and can kill them within hours. Below is an email I received from a friend.
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Carly, our two-year old dachshund, got into some of Luke’s gum containing Xylitol on Saturday morning. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that few even know is deadly to dogs. We realized it within just over an hour and rushed her to Dr. Schaller. After her tummy was empty, she was given charcoal and has been on fluids and medications since that time.

Tonight Dr. Schaller told us that her liver values are 4 times higher than normal and is in liver failure. The next 48 hours are critical. If the liver is too damaged, it will not be able to heal. We love her dearly and can’t imagine not having her in our home. Please say a little prayer for her so that she might be able to return home and be the sweet, happy, loving dog we know her to be. Thank you for your prayers.
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Please be mindful about what your pets have access to.

I'm Baaaaccckkkk & a Give Away!

Hi all,

I'm home from my visit with my two oldest friends...er..I mean my two friends that I've known the longest...

Anyway, it was a quick trip but great to be with my buddies, Hartley and Karen, who live on the Eastern Shore of VA. One day I'll be moving back and will stir up lots of trouble between them and their hubbies...but that will be a long way off, so they are safe for now (hee hee).

I took a couple of pictures as I reached the edge of the shore. I love the little wildlife area just as you get to the end of the Bay Bridge Tunnel. This shot is of Fisherman's Island; it's so natural there. I couldn't stop to take a better picture but just beyond the water's edge, the marsh begins and it's so pretty.


I also got a great picture of Hartley's new baby, Toby, who is just eight months old. She has done a wonderful job training him to be a calm companion - quite different from the craziness in my household! Isn't he gorgeous?!



And since I'm on an embroidery kick right now, I snapped pictures of a couple of Karen's cuties she has so that I can make my own eventually. (sorry for the flash)





Please visit Dianne Knott's blog - she's giving away a beautiful cross stitch of a Chickadee - one of my very favorite little birds! I hope I win! :)
http://dianeknottsmusings.blogspot.com/

I have lots more to tell you but that's it for the moment. I've got some baby items I'm finishing for my daughter's shower this weekend (before I leave on another trip). Really, I'm not a traveler but January has just turned out this way. I'm a major stay-at-homer!! (grin). I can't wait for next week so I can settle into my own routine again...there are so many irons in the fire right now!

ttfn!

It's Here and Happy New Year!

Look what came in the mail - my little chickadee charm on an easel from Laurie of Laurie's Charming Designs!

I love almost anything with birds, feathers, nests or trees and leaves and this little gem is absolutely precious! Right now it's sitting on my kitchen table in front of my centerpiece and shows up very niceley but I've got to find the perfect permanent spot for it - someplace that I can see and enjoy it every single day!

Laurie - I just love all of your work! I paint too but have a very different style.

Thanks again!



HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!

New Projects

Well, I know it's not Pink Saturday yet but after seeing Laurie's pretty pink charms on http://lauriescharmingdesigns.blogspot.com/, I was inspired to get some pink fabrics and make some small items too.

I've been looking at those little stacked pincushions and wanted to make some. I decided my first one will be from some of the pink fabrics I bought yesterday (like I need more fabric and to start yet another project!). I'll be adding some embellishments once it's all stuffed and assembled and will post a picture of the completed project afterwards.

I've also decided to make a bowl full of various little heart shaped pillows for the kitchen table as a decoration for Valentine's Day. I should have an entire pile of them by then :)








~ have a great day! ~

Cleaning Up Already

I hope everybody had a nice holiday with their family and friends.

I don't usually take down my Christmas decorations this early, but I'll be on the road for the next two weekends and don't want to wait for three weeks to clean the house (more about that in later posts). Today I'm going to finish cleaning my house and getting ready for my house sitter - you know, wash sheets, stock the pantry, and get things in order for all my critters to make it easier for her.

It's so hard for me to go away and I rarely do. I'm fortunate to have some friends and neighbors who are willing to help take care of my menagerie! I don't think I've mentioned that in addition to my three dogs, three indoor kitties and two doves, that I have 13 chickens and two geese. The barn has to be secured every evening and there are only a couple of people who are willing to do that.

Anyway - on to cleaning. Good thing I've always loved to clean!

Best wishes for a happy day!

First Embroidery Project

I'm so proud of my little granddaughter, Alissa. I recently taught her how to embroider (just very basic) and she designed and made a little pillow for her mommy. Alissa was so excited and couldn't wait to give it, so the presentation was made last night.

Sorry the one pic is so dark; it was late.

Best wishes!

Leo Kitty

This is Leo, my most recent foster kitty. I was very hopeful when he went to meet an approved applicant over the weekend, but he is back home with me now. I don't mind though as I'm already very attached to this guy. Problem is I already have two indoor cats and three outdoor cats (all rescues; the three outside cats are semi feral). The other two inside cats, Smudge and Topaz, aren't happy sharing their home with Leo as neither of them are dominant. Leo likes to stalk the other two, both of who are bigger than he is, and sneak attack them. There haven't been any fights; only swats and hisses. I know they will all adjust and I would love to keep this guy as he is beautiful, very loving and has the softest coat I've ever felt on a cat. But if the right approved applicants come along, it would be nice if he could have his own home.

On another note, I can't wait to make a couple of cute Christmas pillows. I know the big day is almost here but I've found some more great ideas looking around on line and I just HAVE to make a few more things. I'll show everybody as soon as I get them completed!

Best wishes...

Ornaments

Well, now I can start sharing too! I took a couple of pictures of some of the ornaments I've made this Christmas. The little mitten is from the free tutorial Dawn Edmonson of http://the-feathered-nest.blogspot.com/so generously shared on her site. I made several similar to hers, but I modified some to look more "rustic/primitive" for one of my friends. I changed the ribbon out and used twine and tied on some buttons shaped like hearts and stars.

The little bird ornament is from a delicious new book I bought recently. I made a bunch in two coordinating fabrics. I want to make lots more things from this sweet book! Now if I can figure out how to add the pictures.

...ummmm - obviously I have a lot to learn. Evidently I should post in the reverse order I want them to appear. Be patient with me - I'll get the hang of it soon :)

Introduction

Hellllloooooo out there! I have just created my very own blog so I can join in all the fun. I'm still in the process of making my layout to include my favorite places to visit and some other neat things.

I'm so excited to be able to share my own things with you as well as to participate in all the fun activities.

I feel like a kid in a candy shop....or even better....me visiting my favorite quilt shop!

...now...back to figuring out how to do this......